Compensatory and Punitive Damages

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San Antonio Personal Injury

Depending upon the type and severity of the injuries you have received and how much at fault you were, if any, for the accident, can effect how much monetary damages you can receive. Each case is different and therefore there is no set amount you can expect to receive, but a qualified personal injury lawyer can give you a good ballpark figure for your case. Damages may be awarded to you to compensate for any loss you have suffered due to the accident and you may receive punitive damages that are exacted on the defendant as punishment for malicious or wanton behavior.

Damages a person may receive from a personal injury or wrongful death case fall under two main categories – compensatory and punitive damages.

Compensatory Damages

Compensatory damages are awarded based on the actual amount of harm one received. These damages are intended to restore the victim back to where they were before the accident happened. Some of the expenses and ailments compensatory damages covers include:

• Repairing or replacing damaged property
• Loss of wages
• Loss of ability to earn wages
• Pain & Suffering
• Medical bills
• Loss of any profits you were entitled to receive
• Mental impairment

Compensatory damages are awarded to the victim before punitive damages are considered.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are awarded by courts where the defendants conduct was found to be malicious, wanton, intentional or willful. Punitive damages are intended as a punishment for the defendant and also as a deterrent for others in committing the same type of crime. There are no maximum or minimum limits to punitive damages claims and they can be awarded in almost any type of personal injury case.

The amount of damages you are entitled to receive varies by case. A personal injury attorney can best advise you on how much your case may be worth. The type of accident, how severe the injuries are, and how much at fault you were, if at all, in the accident will all be factored in to how much you can expect to receive in damages. Contact our offices today to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer about your claim. The lawyers at Carabin & Shaw work on a contingent fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we resolve your claim.